Danville Express

Danville police suggest common sense for trick-or-treating

Don't let spooky night of fun turn tragic

As the sun sinks below the horizon and the Princesses and Jedi take to the streets on Halloween night, Danville police are asking parents to follow some simple rules for trick-or-treating.

Community Service Officer Shawn Desmond said that it's all common sense. "You want to make sure the kids carry a flashlight, and they wear bright costumes or costumes with reflective gear so they can be seen by approaching traffic" she explained.

Desmond said that children should always be accompanied by an adult and should stick to well lit homes and homes where the person is known to the parents.

As for the treats themselves, watch out for candies or snacks that appear to have been tampered with. Desmond said to watch for:

* Candy not wrapped correctly

* Candy where the wrapper has been opened

* Homemade candy unless you know the maker personally

Parents are urged to carefully examine their children's treats. If anything suspicious is found, contact the police at 820-2441.

"The main thing is to try to remember where items came from," Desmond said. "When I trick-or-treat with my kids I try to pay attention to what they got as we go along."

Halloween is also a time of mischief making, when trees are festooned with toilet paper and pumpkins are smashed on the street. Desmond asks residents to keep their eyes open. "If you see someone out lurking around, give the Police Department a call and report it."